In 2023, after two months of having my first son, “Saeed,” I returned to my role as the Program Manager for the Arabic Program at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. At that time, I faced numerous challenges, from having almost no sleep to the struggle of
creating a balanced routine between my new responsibilities as a mother and managing my work. I also had the desire to fully experience motherhood and enjoy it slowly.

Naturally, all of this pressure and the overlapping responsibilities made me feel like half a mother, half a working woman, and half a happy person. It certainly did not allow me to enjoy the journey of motherhood that I had always dreamed of, which quickly turned into a series of consecutive frustrations that ultimately led to my resignation from my position.

I felt scattered, inadequate, and exhausted most of the time. Until one day, through my work, I conducted a training workshop at the Ketubna Cultural Center in Nad Al Hammar, Dubai, for a group of mothers who wanted to return to the workforce after taking time off to care for their children. Some had been away from work for two years, while others had been out for
as long as seventeen years.

They were inspiring, full of energy to give and help. Most of them had university degrees, some up to a master’s or doctorate. Some had kept their passions alive by practicing arts and hobbies at home, but they all had aspirations for more. This had been my concern all along— how could I fully embrace motherhood while nourishing my ambitions and maintaining my
identity and achievements that I had worked hard for over nearly 13 years? I hope that one day they will know how much that workshop changed my life, not just theirs.

I am one of the mothers who believes that no matter how varied our roles may be, they can be compensated, except for our role as mothers. I believe that our children, especially in the first three years of their lives, need direct connection with their mother and her almost constant presence. Nothing compares to the power of a happy childhood in shaping a well-balanced person for society, which in turn leads to a healthy, happy community.

I also believe that, in light of the evolution we are witnessing in the job market, professions, and artificial intelligence, we can today change the stereotypical image of traditional work, which requires being present in a narrow geographic area for up to nine hours a day.

Thus, the fruit of this experience and my dream has come true, and I am excited to share it with you through the launch of Partnest, which aims to offer workshops and training courses to help various community groups apply for jobs that do not fall under the traditional work conditions. Through Partnest, we aim to bridge the gap between those looking for such jobs and organizations or individuals interested in employing skilled professionals in unconventional ways.

I hope we will succeed together in supporting mothers who wish to work while caring for their children and families, supporting women in difficult circumstances who need an income but lack higher education or qualifications, assisting university students or recent graduates who need experience, and supporting retirees who still have the desire and ability to contribute.

I hope Partnest will be the environment where we collaborate and support one another for the sake of a working environment and conditions suitable for all, ultimately benefiting both families and society.

Iman Al-Yousuf
Mother, Emirati Writer, Specialist in Cultural Diplomacy, Founder of Partnest